Events in N.Y., Pa. offer a way to catch a lot of bands in one location at a cost-effective price

It’s never too early to start thinking about the array of music festivals that will be happening in the coming months. From rock and blues to classical and jazz — not to mention the many festivals that make a point of blurring boundaries among genres — you’re sure to find something to your taste.

Music festivals offer a way to catch a lot of bands in one location at a cost-effective price — often in a beautiful outdoor setting. They also often can facilitate memorable, one-time only experiences — especially when members of various bands make guest appearances with their peers.

Here’s a selective, chronological list of many of the music festivals scheduled throughout New York and northern Pennsylvania this summer.

June

Governors Ball Music Festival

•Where: Randall's Island, New York City

•When: June 2-4

•Why go: Some of the country’s biggest bands will be featured at this annual event, which is easily accessible by public transportation.

•Other acts: Gary Clark Jr., The Head and the Heart, Shovels and Rope, St. Paul and the Broken Bones, Michael Franti and Spearhead, Infamous Stringdusters, Marty Stuart and the Fabulous Superlatives, Chuck Prophet

Joss Stone will be among the performers at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival from ...more

Joss Stone will be among the performers at the Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival from June 23-July 1.

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16th annual Xerox Rochester International Jazz Festival

•Where: Various venues in Rochester

•When: June 23-July 1

•Why go: One of the biggest festivals in the Northeast has long outgrown its jazz roots to encompass everything from indie rock and Cajun to country and retro rock. Features outdoor stages, club shows and headline concerts at the Eastman Theatre.

The Del McCoury Band will be among the headliners at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill ...more

The Del McCoury Band will be among the headliners at the Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival in Oak Hill from July 13-16 and the Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festival of Music and Dance in Trumansburg from July 20-23.

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Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival

•Where: The Walsh Farm, Oak Hill, N.Y.

•When: July 13-16

•Why go: Hosted by the Dry Branch Fire Squad, this long-running event features some of the biggest names in bluegrass, along with some other roots bands.